Trump Signs Russia Sanctions Bill With Tariff Threat for India, China

President Donald Trump signed into law on September 18, 2026, a sweeping sanctions package targeting Russia, which grants him authority to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on countries that continue to purchase Russian oil and gas. The legislation, named the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, passed Congress with strong bipartisan support, clearing the Senate 86-11 in August and the House 262-159 on September 16. The bill aims to increase economic pressure on Moscow over its ongoing war in Ukraine by targeting Russia's energy sector, senior officials, financial institutions, and a "shadow fleet" of tankers used to evade existing sanctions. It also extends the Iran Sanctions Act for five years. A key provision requires the president, within 30 days of enactment, to impose duties up to 100 percent on goods from countries that are among the top five importers of Russian crude oil or natural gas and make new purchases after the bill's passage. The president has discretion to set tariff rates and can grant waivers based on national interest. Major buyers of Russian oil, including India and China, could be affected.